Real Madrid’s announcement of Karim Benzema’s departure this summer is a significant setback for the club. Over his 14-year tenure, the French striker has been an integral part of the team’s success, securing four Champions League titles, five La Liga titles, and three Copa del Rey titles.

Benzema’s next destination is reported to be Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad, who have offered him a highly lucrative contract that would place him among the highest-paid players globally.

Real Madrid will now face the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for Benzema. Several options have been considered, including securing the services of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, or Robert Lewandowski.

Mbappe, who will become a free agent this summer, is expected to join Real Madrid, while Haaland remains a target but faces competition from Manchester City. Lewandowski, at 33 years old, may not provide a long-term solution for the club.

Additionally, Real Madrid must identify a new number 9 to fill the void left by Benzema. While Mariano Diaz appears to be the frontrunner for the position, Borja Mayoral and Luka Jovic could also be considered.

Benzema’s departure will undoubtedly impact Real Madrid’s style of play. His versatility as a striker, scoring goals in various ways and contributing to build-up play, will be challenging to replicate. The club will need to find a striker who can match Benzema’s goal-scoring prowess while also contributing to the team’s overall gameplay.

For Al Ittihad, Benzema’s arrival represents a major triumph. As one of the biggest names in football, he will attract significant attention to the Saudi Professional League. His presence will greatly enhance Al Ittihad’s prospects of contending for the league title, as they currently sit in third place.

Benzema’s proven track record as a winner will be an invaluable asset to Al Ittihad, as he is expected to contribute significantly to the team’s goals and aid them in achieving their ambitions.